Anti-gay marriage protesters clash with feminists in Paris

French activists from the Ukrainian-based feminist group Femen were pepper-sprayed, hit and kicked by anti-gay marriage protesters in Paris on Sunday when they tried to disrupt a march against plans to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption rights.

Women belonging to the Ukrainian-based feminist group Femen disrupted a Sunday march protesting a bill that will allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt. The march was organised by the conservative Catholic group Civitas.

The Femen members infiltrated the march disguised as nuns before taking off their tops and revealing pro-gay marriage and anti-church slogans on their naked torsos. The women also threw flour at the anti-gay marriage march.

Organisers of the march in charge of security tried to hold the women at bay, but the situation quickly degenerated into violence.

A protester Maced one of the counter-protesters.

Other participants of the anti-gay marriage protest proceeded to strike and kick members of the feminist group.

Other participants of the anti-gay marriage protest proceeded to strike and kick members of the feminist group.

Protesters also used violence against French journalists covering the event.

Some of the violent protesters appeared to be members of French far-right groups.

The violent clashes lasted only a few minutes.

The counter-demonstrators were pushed away from the march, and police eventually arrived on the scene.

"One father, one mother - What else?" was one of the many slogans adorning the placards brought by protesters.

"The family. It's sacred" read another placard.

One of the huge banners held aloft by anti-gay marriage protesters in Paris on Sunday.